Local councillors have flagged-up concerns over vital rural bus services in Pembrokeshire being terminated - with one local resident stating that it was ‘disgusting treatment’ for those reliant on public transport in the locality.
Saundersfoot’s county councillor for the village’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams, and fellow county councillor for neighbouring St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) and St Florence wards, Cllr Rhys Jordan have both ‘taken action’ to put pressure on Pembrokeshire County Council to reinstate buses after the recent announcement of the loss of the 351 and 352 service from April 30 onwards, which sees travel from areas such as Tenby via Saundersfoot and Kilgetty to places like Pendine.
Cllr Jordan has written to PCC’s cabinet member for resident services Cllr Rhys Sinnett to express his concerns on behalf of the residents of the community and to urge him to take action to address this issue.
“As you may be aware, these vital bus services have been cancelled from April 30, 2023, leaving residents without a reliable means of transportation. This is a serious issue that affects all members of the community, particularly children who use these services to travel to and from school,” stated Cllr Jordan in his correspondence.
“I understand that efforts are being made to find a new operator for these services, but I have been informed that it is unlikely that they will be able to operate for this Summer.
“This leaves residents and visitors to the area in a very difficult situation, with no immediate solution in sight.
“I am deeply concerned about the impact that this will have on the community, and urge you to take action to address this issue as soon as possible.
“I would appreciate it if you could provide me with information on how Pembrokeshire County Council plan to address this issue and what steps are being taken to ensure that our community has access to reliable transportation. I believe that we must work together to find a solution to this problem,” he added.
In a post aimed at members of his constituency, Cllr Jordan went onto say: “I understand how important public transportation is for many local residents, so losing this service will be a big blow and it's important that we work together to find a solution.
“I will keep you all updated on any developments, but in the meantime, if you have any suggestions or ideas, please feel free to share them.
“Let's work together to ensure that our community has access to the transportation services we need,” he added.
Cllr Williams also expressed his concerns after receiving an email from Taf Valley Coaches informing him of the situation regarding local bus services in Saundersfoot and surrounding areas.
“Taf Valley have now formally informed Pembrokeshire County Council that with regret that they will have to terminate the contracts on the following services - 351 Tenby to Pendine; and 352 Tenby to Kilgetty,” he said.
“These services are very important to local residents as this gives them the independence to get out and engage with their friends and family or simply going out to do their shopping.
“The last operating day for both services will be April 30,” he continued, vowing to work with Cllr Jordan to find a solution.
One bus service user told the Observer that it was ‘disgusting treatment’ for those reliant on such public transport in the locality and those responsible were guilty of ‘isolating local communities’ with zero care given for transport to key areas.
“Yet again people in Pembs forgotten and neglected! Shame on you Pembrokeshire County Council,” they remarked.
“The few buses that are in operation, are so few and far between that no one knows the schedule, they change with the seasons, if there’s a Y in the month and if it’s a full moon as to whether you can catch one every 4 hours 15 minutes, therefore no one relies on them!
“We need regular reliable and consistent transport for all the local communities and to take us to Haverfordwest and Carmarthen easily too, not to have to change three times and only on a Tuesday!” they added.